Philly Dem seeks do-over on 'Year of the Bible' vote

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A newspaper says a Philadelphia Democrat wants to reconsider a resolution that passed the state House of Representatives unanimously last month declaring 2012 the “Year of the Bible” in Pennsylvania.

The Patriot-News of Harrisburg reported today that Rep. Mark Cohen says he regrets not realizing the resolution’s content.

The paper says Cohen appeared at a news conference on the topic Monday with representatives of the Pennsylvania Council of Churches, the American Civil Liberties Union and American Atheists.

The resolution sponsored by Allegheny County Republican Rep. Rick Saccone notes the Bible’s “formative influence” and speaks of a “national need to study and apply” scripture.

A House Republican spokesman tells the newspaper it’s unclear if members can reconsider a resolution that’s already passed.